North American Airlines and VT Systems Plan Conversion of Boeing 757-200 to Combi Configuration

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 17, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- North American Airlines, a subsidiary of Global Aviation Holdings Inc., and the aerospace   division   of Vision Technologies Systems, Inc. (VT Systems), a subsidiary of ST Engineering, today announced that they have entered into an agreement for the conversion of Boeing 757-200 passenger aircraft to Combi configuration. In the Combi configuration, the aircraft will accommodate up to 10 cargo pallets and provide comfortable cabin seating for 45 passengers.

"The Boeing 757 Combi will be utilized on routes where our customers require the shipment of heavy supplies as well as personnel," said Brian Bauer, Chief Commercial Officer of Global Aviation.  "As a longtime operator of the passenger Boeing 757, North American will be able to offer customers a seamless upgrade using this modern and fuel-efficient platform."

"This agreement is a vote of confidence in our strong MRO and engineering track record in the U.S. and our capability to offer tailored solutions to meet customers' special operating requirements," said General (Retired) John G. Coburn, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of VT Systems.  "We look forward to supporting North American Airlines with a complete solution – from design and development to implementing the conversion at our MRO facilities."

VT Systems' aerospace division, which owns maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities in Mobile and San Antonio, is the largest private employer in Mobile, and the largest private independent MRO employer in San Antonio.  Managed by ST Aerospace as part of its global network of MRO facilities, these facilities have been performing heavy maintenance and modification works for numerous aircraft types, including the Boeing 757.  The Mobile facility previously designed and converted two Royal New Zealand Air Force 757-200 passenger aircraft into multi-role combination configuration.  It also jointly developed the engineering solution with Boeing for the 757-200 passenger-to-freighter (PTF) conversion and redelivered 17 converted freighters to Boeing's customer DHL. It is currently performing PTF conversions for FedEx Express, following the award of a conversion   contract   for 87 Boeing   757-200   aircraft. ST Aerospace is the aerospace arm   of ST Engineering.

North American Airlines is a provider of customized, non-scheduled air transport services. Founded in 1989, North American operates Boeing 757-200 and Boeing 767-300ER aircraft. North American is a subsidiary of Global Aviation Holdings Inc. which is the largest provider of contracted air transportation services to the U.S. Military.

ST Aerospace (Singapore Technologies Aerospace Ltd) is the aerospace arm of ST Engineering. Operating a global MRO network with facilities in the Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe, it is the world's largest aircraft MRO provider with a global customer base that includes leading airlines, airfreight and military operators. ST Aerospace is an integrated service provider that offers a spectrum of maintenance and engineering services that include airframe, engine and component maintenance, repair and overhaul; engineering design and technical services; and aviation materials and management services, including Total Aviation Support. ST Aerospace has a global staff strength of more than 8,000 engineers and technical specialists. Please visit www.staero.aero.

VT Systems (Vision Technologies Systems, Inc.) is a diversified company providing integrated engineering solutions to the commercial and government markets in the aerospace, electronics, land systems and marine sectors.   VT Systems' innovative solutions, products and services include aircraft maintenance, repair and modification; software solutions in training and simulation; satellite-based IP communications technology; network solutions that integrate data, voice and video; rugged computers and computer peripheral equipment; specialized truck bodies and trailers; weapons and munitions systems; road construction equipment; and ship design and shipbuilding. Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., VT Systems operates globally and is a wholly owned subsidiary of ST Engineering. Please visit www.vt-systems.com.

SOURCE VT Systems